h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

We all love a list. Here's the results of the ABC's recent poll for Australia's top 100 favourite books. The one I voted for came in at number 8. Perhaps I should've posted the address here before the voting closed, it may have got number 1! Oh well.

Take a gander:
http://www.abc.net.au/myfavouritebook/top10/100.htm

Click on 'celebrity readers'. I have trouble believing Daniel MacPherson's favourite book is the Bible.

There are lots of good books on that list. But we both know what people actually read. And it sure as heck isn't quality literature. Appeal to the lowest common denominator and you'll have a top seller.

I have often tried to select a favorite book. I'm not sure it's possible - at least not for me. It depends on what kind of mood I'm in. I adore Paul Scott's Raj Quartet - The Jewell in the Crown, etc. And every few years I reread the entire Dune series. I also reread Sherlock Holmes and the Miss Marples and Hercule Poirot stories. I love Tony Hillerman's books and reread them. He has a new one out! It's sitting nest to my comfy chair waiting for me. Sometimes I like good quality literature and sometimes I like a fast and easy read. More of the latter as time goes by.

I recently re-read Sherlock Holmes myself. Not just the original stories, I also have a book called "Sherlock Holmes in Orbit". An anthology of Sherlock Holmes stories with a Science Fiction Slant.

It's always hard for me to choose a favourite book too. I was reading the Hitchhiker's radio scripts at the time of voting, so that influenced my vote. You're right, I think it does depend on mood. Much like music selection.

Out of the whole 100, there's only 2 (Lord of the Rings being the second one) that are a must read for me, and I'm surprised they both got into the top 10! Well, maybe 'To kill a Mockingbird' too.
There's not one in there by Terry Pratchett!

A lot of kids must've voted to get 'Captain Underpants' to number 16